There is depth on the disabled list, and the Detroit Tigers boast one of the greatest rotations in baseball.
As he heals from inflammation in his surgically repaired right hip, Alex Cobb, who was expected to be included in that starting rotation, has remained on the 15-day injured list since the season began. That procedure was performed in the off-season before 2024.
Cobb threw two innings of live batting practice at Comerica Park on Friday prior to the Tigers’ game against the Texas Rangers.
Is Alex Cobb Showing Progress?
The two-inning live batting practice was open to the media. So did three key members of the Tigers’ organization: manager AJ Hinch, general manager Jeff Greenberg, and president of baseball operations Scott Harris.
Cobb pitched to a number of hitters, including Matt Vierling, who is recovering from his own injury.
According to Chris McCosky of the Detroit News, Cobb did not appear at ease covering first base on the play when he had to field a baseball off the mound in the first inning. He did, however, come back to pitch the second inning after a little rest.
Cobb threw a live batting practice, according to the Tigers’ official injury report.
For Cobb, this was a step forward in some respects. The following stage of rehabilitation, which is typically an injured assignment in the minor levels, typically begins with a live batting practice session.
Prior to being traded to the Cleveland Guardians last season, Cobb made many injury rehab starts with San Francisco.
The Tigers don’t need to rush the 37-year-old right-hander back on the field since they have Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Reese Olson, Casey Mize, and Jackson Jobe in the rotation, along with Keider Montero on standby.
Last season, he made three starts for the Guardians, pitching 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA and assisting in their run for the AL Central championship.
He played with the Giants for two seasons, going 14–15 in 2022–2023.
He has pitched for the Tampa Bay Rays, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels. He has a 3.85 ERA and a career record of 77-75.
In 2011, he made his Major League debut with the Tampa Bay, and he has played for 12 years. He attended Vero Beach High School in Vero Beach, Florida, and was selected by the Rays in the fourth round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
